Representatives from INSEC and various other organizations issued a press release on October 5, appealing for the preservation of social harmony being aware of the recent situation in Nepalgunj regarding religious matters.
The statement emphasize that the Constitution of Nepal highlights the need to protect and promote Nepal’s diverse characteristics, including being multi-racial, multilingual, multi-religious, multicultural, and geographically varied.It urges all parties to actively work towards preserving and enhancing social and cultural unity, tolerance, and harmony among these diverse elements.
The statement emphasizes that it is the duty and responsibility of all citizens to actively contribute to maintaining social harmony, by incorporating the provisions of the Convention to which Nepal is a party, United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Rights activists have urged people to be sensitive to the possibility of violence and disruption of peace and security, not to post content on social media that affects social harmony, not to use social media in an unlimited manner that affects religious beliefs, and to respect the rights of others when using freedom of thought and expression.
In the amendment signed by Senior Advocate Sunil Shrestha, Central Member of Human Rights Alliance Prabhat Thakuri, INSEC Lumbini Provincial Coordinator Bhola Mahat, Advocacy Forum’s Basant Gautam, Fatima Foundation’s Maimuna Siddiqui, Bishwajit Tiwari from IHR , Social Activist Shahida Bano, Advocate Bal Bahadur Chand appealed to investigate the truth of the incident and take action according to the law, arrange for the treatment of the injured, refrain from doing activities that disturb the harmony between various communities, and appeal for restraint.
During the rally held by the Hindu community on October 3 22 people including security personnel and protestors were injured in the clash between the Hindu and Muslim communities.